Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish shine. The large shrimp create a tender bite, while the butter and olive oil form a rich base. Garlic adds a savory kick, and red pepper flakes bring warmth. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with zesty flavor. Fresh parsley offers a pop of color and freshness, while Parmesan adds a creamy finish if you choose to include it. This combination makes the dish simple yet full of flavor. The ingredients are easy to find, making it fun to prepare. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to fit your heat preference. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen! First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This water adds flavor and thickness to your sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells great. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Now it’s time to make the sauce! Add the zest of 1 large lemon and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shrimp. Stir well to mix. Then, toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt into the mix, creating a rich, zesty sauce that will coat your pasta beautifully. To get tender shrimp, avoid overcooking. Cook them just until they turn pink. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. For the best flavor, always use fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh shrimp tastes better. You can customize the heat level of your dish. Add red pepper flakes to your taste. If you like it spicier, try more flakes. For a tangier taste, squeeze in more lemon juice. This will brighten the dish and balance the flavors. Serve your shrimp scampi in shallow bowls. This makes the dish look nice and inviting. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. The bright colors will make your meal pop. Plus, it adds extra flavor when you squeeze the lemon on top. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi easily. Whole wheat pasta gives you more fiber, making the dish healthier. Gluten-free pasta is a great choice if you have a gluten allergy. You can also try different shapes like penne or fettuccine. Each shape holds sauce differently, adding a fun twist to your meal. If you want a dairy-free dish, simply skip the butter. You can use olive oil instead, which works well. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try scallops or chicken. Both options still pair nicely with the lemon and garlic flavors. Just adjust the cook time as needed to ensure they are cooked through. To boost the flavor, add veggies like spinach or asparagus. They add color and nutrients too. You can also pour in a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp. This adds depth and richness to the sauce. These small changes can make your dish even more exciting! To store your leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It’s best to eat leftovers within 2 days for the best taste. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers keep the dish fresh and tasty. When you reheat shrimp scampi, do it gently. Use a pan over low heat. This helps keep the shrimp tender. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often, so it warms evenly. To keep the pasta moist, add a splash of water. This prevents it from drying out. You can freeze cooked shrimp scampi, but it’s not the best choice. The shrimp may get tough when frozen. If you still want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of water to keep it saucy. The total time to make this dish is about 25 minutes. You will spend around 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them before cooking. To do this, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with a towel afterward. This step helps them cook evenly. This dish pairs well with several sides: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh salad for some greens - Steamed vegetables for added color and nutrition - Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce To adjust the recipe, you can easily double or halve the ingredients. If you double, use 2 pounds of shrimp and 8 tablespoons of butter. For halving, use 1/2 pound of shrimp and 2 tablespoons of butter. Just keep the cooking times the same. This way, you will keep the flavors balanced. This blog post guides you through making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect shrimp. You learned about variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers. Enjoying this dish can brighten any meal. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can impress family and friends. Dive into this recipe and savor every bite!$

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Dive into the delicious world of zesty lemon garlic shrimp scampi with our easy recipe! This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a vibrant lemon and garlic sauce, tossed with pasta for a mouthwatering meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights or impressing guests.

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

6 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)

Zest of 1 large lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti, your choice

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until bubbling. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste.

Prepare the Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the tangy sauce.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the zesty sauce. If the dish seems a bit dry, gradually spoon in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

Finish with Freshness: Right before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Taste, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve: Plate the pasta elegantly, ensuring that shrimp are evenly distributed throughout each serving. If desired, grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each plate for added richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve immediately in shallow bowls, accompanied by extra lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color and added zest. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch!